Raising children to become good citizens and contributors to society is a hard job for most parents, but ultimately it’s worth it. When your child either graduates from college or is able to get a job and doesn’t need to return home you will know that the time you took made a difference.
My husband and I set high expectations for our children and for us. We intentionally wanted to be more involved with our children than our parents were with us. Many hours were spent assisting with homework, participating in the booster club, and ensuring at least one of us showed up at their extra-curricular activities. Was it difficult? Yes, extremely. And we’d do the same thing all over again.
The trick was that my husband and I had jobs that allowed for work-life balance. And when they didn’t, we had each other’s back. Our main priorities were our children until they graduated from high school. Working together as a team was important and we all had to read from the same play book. As a family, figure out what works for your children’s success and all will turn out well.
Now, I’d like to share a few tips and suggestions for back to school shopping.
Both child and parent(s) need to communicate their wants and needs. Kids must put down their devices and engage with their parents. Make sure that you create a budget and follow it. This will help prioritize needs before wants.
Share the shopping budget with your child and explain it in basic terms. Have them assist in keeping up with the expenditures. It will help them become responsible and they will feel empowered. It will also give the child an opportunity to determine if they want an item or need it. If the conversation permits, discuss the importance of allowance and savings. Allowing your child to understand and participate in the shopping process is a great life skill.
Students may be anxious and apprehensive about their style of dress, so parents this is where you come in and can build up their confidence. It’s not about the cost of the outfit as much as it is about how the outfit is put together. So explore and have fun. Allow your child’s style to come alive, and if they attend a school with uniforms, then lucky you. Wherever your childe attends, encourage him or her to step out of the shadow of others and do their own thing.
This school year’s fashion is similar to last season.
Ripped straight-legged jeans with off the shoulder tops and action hero and athletic shirts will also continue to be a big fad this upcoming season. Grey and black jeans also return. Wearing Keds, Vans, Converse, high tops, and other athletic shoes and apparel for everyday comfort is great, too. Flip flops and flats will be visible as well, but be careful they are easy to trip and fall especially if someone steps on the back of them. Closed and open-toe boots and blue jean jackets will appear on the scene later in the year.
Your hearts beat fast as the electric door opens wide, and once inside sale signs blind your vision as you begin to feel your budget rising. But don’t get overwhelmed, stay cool and within your budget. Many stores will have sales.
If the child you’re shopping with is looking for designer clothing, don’t forget specialty stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Five Below and Charlotte Russe–just to name a few. I’m not saying Macy’s and Dillard’s, Penny’s and Kohls aren’t great places to shop, but I’m just saying don’t overlook the smaller stores. Often department stores can expensive, but are great for after season shopping.
- Macy’s has a section called Last Call, but don’t expect to use your coupons.
- Shop the end of the season for the following year. This is a great time to shop for prom dresses.
- Kohls offers $10 Kohls cash and 20% off for friends and family.
- Walmart and Target are great places to shop for growing children, and while you are there pick up school supplies.
- Five Below is a trendy store that carries a little bit of this and that.
- Not only is H-E-B and Randall’s great for grocery shopping, they carry school supplies and often backpacks, too.
- Goodwill is often overlooked but it can be a gold mine. Give it a chance.
If you’re just too busy and prefer to shop online here are just a few tip as I have only shopped online a few times. The order that comes to mind is a pant suit. Love the top, but the pants were too short. Being a tall woman, the length didn’t work out and instead of paying to return them, I decided to keep wear them with flats. It can be difficult checking the quality of material online so just be cognizant that what you see may not be what you get.
Online shopping tips:
- Be familiar with the company.
- Some items are made from different countries and sizes will vary.
- Shipping and deliveries fees can be expensive if not ordering a specific dollar amount.
- Be aware of return policies.
- Also check materials.
There are many phone apps like RetailMeNot that will help you save a few pennies. Don’t forget your coupons and happy shopping!